2004 Season Pictures

Congratulations to the Senior Girls Flag Football Champions-2004
Congratulations to Frank Loriggio's team on being undefeated in the playoffs.  Excellent running backs Christina Agnello, Stephanie Cetta , Lauren Mione & Jessica Bonfondeo  had  terrific talent.  Kristina Marzocco intercepted the winning touchdown giving Gina Loriggio breathing room to quarterback on such a windy day.  Dani Yaron, Gina Delvecchio & Keren Baruch were all over the field stopping their opponents.  Great competition for all the girls on such a thrilling season.  On to basketball..........

Congratulations team of the week.  George Cafasso & Steve Winowsky wrapped up the  regular season by taking 1st place.  Job well done by quarterbacks ( Melody Tognan,& Donna Cafasso) runningbacks Michelle Romano, Lorie Greech & Allison Winowski, wide receivers(Kimberly Hom, & Amanda Livingston) and of course excellent defense by Elena Brandes,Alessa Castaldi & Brittany Cervino.,

Team of the Week    Congratulations to Mark Karow and his team. Andie Karow, Molly Karow, Olivia Karow, Danielle Laiken, Melanie Laiken , Samantha Duggan, Natalie Schuster, Faye Zachariadis, Briana Delvecchio & Charlotte Tuckner. The girls had an excellent season and finished fourth in the playoffs.

DAC girls are ready for some football
10/07/2004

Who says girls can't play football? There are four teams in DAC's flag football league that are out there to prove that saying wrong.

Every Sunday the teams pair off to play doubleheaders. There's excellent defense in Lauren Mione, Keren Baruch, Dani Yaron, Brittany Cervino, Elena Brandes, Alexa Giokas, Natalie Pruden, Lauren Block, Natalie Schuster, Allison Randell, Samantha Duggan and Alexa Tanney.Kimberly Donovan, Melody Tognan, Kristina Marzocca, Stephanie Cetta. Kimberly Hom and Gina Delvecchio are some of the newcomers this year who have excelled in the short time they have played.

In this week's action Mark Karow's team came back in strong fashion in a great come-from-behind victory. He's blessed with two sets of twins on his team, his daughters Molly and Olivia as well as Daniele and Melanie Laiken. Rounding out his powerful lineup is his other daughter, Andie.

George Cafasso's team remains in first place after splitting the doubleheader. Donna Cafasso, Lorie Greech, Allison Winowsky, Amanda Livingston, Michelle Romano and Alessa Castaldi covered a lot of ground.

Playing two excellent games, Pete Gioka's team saw Jillian Sucato, Lea and Sofia Stamos and Gabriella Guttierrez put pressure on and wouldn't quit. Frank Loriggio's team was led by Gina Loriggio, Christina Agnello and Jessica Bonfondeo while Faye Zachariadis, Briana Delvecchio and Charlotte Tuckner were missed this week.

Games at Little Bay Park 2002

Tournaments and Giant Stadium

2002 Pictures

At St Johns

Giants defend Flag Football title with win over Vikings
12/19/2002

The two time defending champion Giants, coached by Frank LoRiggio and Abed Mustafa, again matched up with the No. 1-seeded team, the Vikings, coached by Gary Semenetz in the finals of the DAC Flag Football playoffs.

On a cold, blustery day, the Giants made the most of having the wind at their back to start the game by scoring on their first possession, as Mike Atzalan (two touchdowns) made a great catch on quarterback Frankie LoRiggio’s first of three touchdown passes. Going for the two-point conversation, Adam Mustafa (one touchdown) took the hand-off and passed it right back to LoRiggio’ cutting into the end zone.

Steven Fieldor caught the team’s second touchdown to give them a 14-0 halftime lead. Also playing well on offense were David Vallins and CJ Velasco, who, in addition to an extra-point reception, made numerous key third catches to keep the Giants in control of the ball.

The Giants’ tough defensive squad kept the Vikings in check most of the game with the great play of Steven Cinturati and John Cinturati, who had his best game of the season of the season with two interception, the second one stopping a Viking comeback in the second half with the score 21-7.

The Viking offense was led by Garrett Semenetz, who passed to John Blader on an option hand-off from quarterback Tony Vittiglio for their first score to open the second half. Semenetz also scored on a hand-off run and followed with a two-point conversion reception. Also playing well an offense were Matt Visone, Brandon Kopienski and Joe Ragone.

Defensive highlights for the Vikings were turned in by Brian O’Connel, with an interception, along with a well-played game by Dewey Freshette and Matt Memis.

Dolphins capture DAC Junior League crown
By The TimesLedger
11/29/2001

The Dolphins beat the Jets, 25-20, to take the DAC Junior League Flag Football Championship. The Dolphins, led by coach Sal Mancuso, held the Jets in the last minutes of the game as they were driving for the winning touchdown. Frankie Mancuso scored three touchdowns and Mark Sheppard ran for one touchdown. Jared Katz and John Stefandl played excellent at the quarterback spot. Great runs for Mike Pisciotta, Chris Marks and Chris Weiss, great offense and defense by both Danny Weisman and Peter Conti helped the cause.

The Jets, led by coaches Sal Saputo and Don Giryluk, hung in the game with touchdowns thrown from quarterback Lenny Saputo to Mike Buttafuco and Chris Reilly. Justin Giryluk caught an interception and returned it for a touchdown.

DAC congratulates the Champion DAC Dolphins also for their showing in the NFL Flag Football tournament on Nov. 3. Quarterback Jared Katz teamed up with receiver Mark Sheppard to average four touchdowns per game. Strong offense and defense were played by Frankie Mancuso, Andrew Surace, John Stefandl, Chris Marks and Danny Weisman. The Dolphins advanced through the tournament all the way to the championship game, unfortunately, losing to the defending champs in a very close game.

Thanks to the parents, kids, commissioners and coaches who made this flag football season a success. Thanks for all the hard work to keep it all together — Commissioners/Coaches: Jack Pinto, Bob DiGirolomo and Rob Liquori. Coaches: Sal Saputo, Don Giryluk, George Abdallah, Kevin Good, Pete Giokas, Sal Mancuso, Frank Sgambatti and Gary Sapolsky.

Giants defeat Vikings, 41-30, for football title
By The TimesLedger
11/15/2001
The defending champion Giants, coached by Frank LoRiggio and Abed Mustafa, met up in a match with last year’s No. 1 seeded squad, the Vikings, coached by Gary Semenetz.

As in last year’s game, the Vikings utilized a hurry-up offense in the second half to close the gap to 34-30, courtesy of Tony Vittiglio touchdown reception on an option-play pass from Adam Greenfield. But the Giants followed up on their next possession in the final two minutes with a breakaway touchdown run by Donald Gomer to nail down the victory.

The Giants’ key offensive players were quarterback Adam Mustafa, Frankie LoRiggio and Donald Gomer, who also got a safety in one defensive start to open the game, Max Bomser and Roy Kip. Defensive stars were Steven Fielder, who did an outstanding job as pass-rusher towards the end of the game, Dewey Frechette, Mike Leon, Joe Wylie and George Koutsouris.
The Vikings squad was led by Garret Semenetz, who did a great job, along with Chris Velasco, Tony Vittiglio, Adam Greenfield Matthew Memis, Anthony Ramos, Matt Mione and David Pireira.

The DAC Senior Division Jaguars advanced to the final game in the NFL flag football tournament played in Wayne, N.J. last Saturday. The team put a string of five exciting wins together, including two shutouts, before losing a hard-fought finale.

The Jaguars had family and friends cheering wildly as they advanced through the tournament with an explosive offense and relentless defense. The offense was led by the spectacular play of quarterback Mike Atzlan, who throughout the day scored on the ground and through the air. Receiver Teddy Rojas ruled the end zone, catching several TDs. Matthew Vision was a constant offensive force, rolling up big yardage as both receiver and running back. Center Jared Belfer snapped the ball flawlessly game after game. Jordan Last caught a short pass and rumbled 40 yards for a touchdown. Derek Cafasso fired a TD and several extra point passes and played solid run defense.

Stefano Tsipas rushed the opposing quarterbacks all day, disrupting plays and sacking ball carriers. Joe Cornetta played tenacious run and pass defense, picking up several sacks and a big interception. Matthew Helenek ran down opposition running backs all day and came up with a crucial interception. Keith Fernandez was all over the field on defense, stopping runs and breaking up pass plays. The Jaguars played an inspired brand of team football and provided a day of intense excitement that will not be soon forgotten.

Patriots ground Jets, 27-19, in DAC flag football action
By The TimesLedger
11/08/2001

Patriots 27, Jets 19. The Patriots beat the first place Jets this weekend, 27-19. Connor Brewer threw one TD pass to Justin Black. Joseph Nuss ran in three TDs. Outstanding on defense was supplied by Greg Polkowski, John Puccio, Nicholas...

Junior Division

Patriots 27, Jets 19. The Patriots beat the first place Jets this weekend, 27-19. Connor Brewer threw one TD pass to Justin Black. Joseph Nuss ran in three TDs. Outstanding on defense was supplied by Greg Polkowski, John Puccio, Nicholas Hristis and Dylan Eisenkraft.

Broncos 20, Vikings 0. For the Broncos, QB Justin Abruzzo connected with Johnny Good. On defense, Anthony Rizzo and Julian Perry each had an interception returned for a TD.

Giants 27, Redskins 7. Cody Stabile threw TD passes to Kenny Pinto and Ryan Smith, who also intercepted a pass and returned it for a TD. Matthew DiGirolomo ran in for one TD. Outstanding on defense, Rob Pagan , Rob Liquori and Tommy Chimarios each had an interception

DAC: Giants top Broncos for third straight victory
By the TimesLEdger
10/25/2001

Giants 25, Broncos 19. The Giants won their third game in a row as they beat the Broncos Sunday morning. The Giants jumped ahead early in the game with a two-touchdown lead. The Broncos came back strong, but came up just short. Cody...

Junior League

Giants 25, Broncos 19. The Giants won their third game in a row as they beat the Broncos Sunday morning. The Giants jumped ahead early in the game with a two-touchdown lead. The Broncos came back strong, but came up just short. Cody Stabile threw for three TD passes, two to Ryan Smith and one to Kenny Pinto. Matthew DiGirolomo ran for one TD. Jason Brendler, Mike Scherand Robert Pagan were outstanding on defense.

Giants 13, Dolphins 13. In a tight defensive battle, the Giants and Dolphins took the game down to the wire with touchdowns for both teams in the last minutes of the game. With the game tied at 6-6, Cody Stabile threw a TD pass to Matthew DiGirolomo to allow the Giants to take a 13-6 lead, only to see the Dolphins score on the last play of the game, as a Hail Mary pass by Jared Katz found a receiver for the touchdown. Outstanding defense for the Giants were Ryan Smith with an interception, Rib Liquori, Anthony Caccamo and Tommy Chimarios.

Dolphins 48, Redskins 6. The Dolphins were unstoppable in the team’s 48-6 destruction of the Redskins. Top performers in the game were Mark Sheppard with two touchdowns and one interception. Michael Pisciotta had one interception for a TD and John Stefandi has two catches, two 10-yard runs and three stops at the line of scrimmage. Danny Weisman had one interception one TD. Chris Marks had two TDs, Jared Katz had one interception and Chris Weis had one TD and five stops at the line of scrimmage.

Dolphins 20, Jets 20. The Dolphins continued their outstanding play to tie their game with the first place Jets. On the second play of the game, Frankie Mancuso returned and interception for a TD. At halftime the Dolphins were down by two TDs, but Jared Katz connected with Frankie Mancuso for a two-yard TD pass and Mark Sheppard with a 40-yard TD pass. With one minute to go in the game, the Jets had the ball mid field, but the strong defense of Mark Sheppard, Mike Piscotta, John Stefandi, Danny Weisman and Chris Marks stopped the Jets to end the game in a tie.

Giants 25, Patriots 7. The game was close for the first half before the Giants pulled away, beating the Patriots 25-7. Giants QB Cody Stabile threw for three TDs, two to Ryan Smith and one to Jason Brendler. Matt DiGirolomo ran for one TD. The defense was outstanding with interceptions from Ryan Smith and Cody Stabile. Also outstanding were Kenny Pinto, Michael Scher and Anthony Caccamo. The Patriots lone touchdown was scored by Joseph Nuss on a throw by QB Greg Abdalluh. Outstanding defense was provided by Greg Polkowsky, Connor Brewer and Micheal Smorto.

DAC Flag Football takes turn at Meadowland
By The TimesLedger
08/23/2001
DePhillips Athletic Club is entering is fourth year of being apart of the NFL Flag Football Program, a national program developed and run in conjunction with the NFL. Last year more than 100,000 girls and boys nationwide, between the aged of 6 and 14, took part.
To help the sport, DAC was invited by the NFL to give a flag football exhibition at halftime of the Jets-Falcons preseason football game. More than 35 kids in three age groups between 7 and 14, along with 15 coaches and 5 parents made the trip to the Meadowlands to partake in the event.

The field was divided into three flag football fields and three mini games of 10 minutes took place simultaneously. While the crown of more than 30,000 cheered on the players, the games were shown overhead on the large stadium screen.

Flag Football is an exciting, fast moving game with five players on offense and five on defense, similar to touch football in most regards.

With more than 210 children already signed up for the upcoming season, DAC is the largest in-house Flag Football program in New York City. There is still some limited space available. Call Allen Krauss at 352-6350 for further information.

DAC would like to thank Brian Mulligan from the New York Jets, Jen Magner from the NFL, Allen Krauss, DAC league coordinator, Gary Semenetz, Bob Di Girolomo, Jack Pinto, Greg Stephanoff and Meric Underweiser.

Information about NFL Flag Program Official Website

The NFL is pleased to introduce you to NFL Flag, the league’s first national flag football program for boys and girls.

Throughout this web site, you will find information on starting an NFL Flag league in your community.

Here, you also will find the rules of NFL Flag and NFL Ultimate, the two games played by NFL Flag leagues, as well as suggestions you can use for organizing your local league.

NFL Flag has been created to help you become part of a well-organized national program emphasizing football education, participation, and sportsmanship. NFL Flag provides a new and exciting recreational opportunity for your area, and offers the chance for increased revenue for existing programs.

NFL Flag was launched in 1996 and has grown ever since

Coaching an NFL Flag League
As an NFL Flag coach, your main goal should be to create a fun and safe learning environment for your players. Whether you are an experienced coach or a novice taking the reins of your first team, there are several things to keep in mind as you begin your NFL Flag season.

Not all of these things are just as an NFL coach would do, but then, this isn't the NFL. However, one of the fun parts of NFL Flag is that the skills your players will practice and play with are just like those of their NFL heroes: passing, catching, defending, etc. This connection to the real-life game they see every week is one you should feel free to emphasize.

Flag Tips
Developing a Strategy
- Go for first downs, not touchdowns
- This can be accomplished by using short passes and running plays
- Mix in long passes and trick plays to keep the defense honest and to catch them off guard


Throwing a Spiral
- Hold the ball near the back with your fingers over the laces
- Keep your elbow in tight to your body and the ball up by your ear
- Point your non-throwing shoulder toward your target
- Throw the ball by letting it spin off your fingers as you follow through toward your target

Leading the Receiver
- As a quarterback you don't want to throw the ball to where the receiver is but rather where he/she is going to be
- Practicing your routes with your receivers will help you figure out how far you can lead them with your throws

Receiving a Pass
- Form a triangle with your hands (between your index fingers and thumbs)
- Keep your eye on the ball at all times
- Try to keep the ball away from your body
- Keep your hands soft so that you can cushion the ball
- Once you have caught the ball, tuck it away so that you don't fumble it.

Play Action
- Using a fake handoff can distract the defensive backs enough to get the receivers open for a pass
- Try a few running plays first to set up the play fake then throw the ball down the feild

Short Passing Routes
- Short passes are safe and effective ways of moving the ball
- Short passes can be run towards the sideline (out), towards the middle of the field (in), or just by turning back toward the QB when you have found an whole in the defence (button hook)
- Often a short pass can turn into a big gain with a few quick moves

Long Passing Routes
- Long passes are great ways of moving the ball in a hurry
- Long passes can be run towards the sideline (corner pattern), towards the middle of the field (post pattern), or just by running straight (fly pattern)
- A long pass is most effective when the defence is caught off guard. Using a mixture of running plays and short passes will open up the field for the long bomb.


Pulling the Flag
- Watch the ball carrier's hips as opposed to his/her feet or head
- Stay low and lunge at the flag
- If you grab anything but the flag, let go immediately so that you don't get a penalty

Playing Zone Defense
- Each defensive back is responsible for an area as opposed to a player
- The advantage of this system is that you can keep an eye on the receiver and the quarterback at the same time
- As receivers come through your area try to anticipate where the quarterback wants to throw it and beat the receiver to the spot

Playing Man to Man Defense
- Leave some space between you and the receiver (this is your cushion)
- As the receiver starts his/her route you can start to back pedal
- When the receiver makes his/her break you can turn and run with them to try to break up the pass

Regional Tournament at Wayne New Jersey

On Saturday, November 3, 2001 DAC sent 12 teams to compete in the Flag Football regional tournament in Wayne, New Jersey. Over 40 teams participated in the tournament which offered the winners in each age category the opportunity to go to Disney World, all expenses paid, to compete in the Nationals. DAC had the largest contingent of teams and all of our teams did exceptionally well.

In the 9-11 age group, Sal Mancuso’s team went all the way to the finals where they lost in a triple overtime thriller. Both teams matched touchdowns in overtime and the game could have gone either way. Sal Saputo’s team and Kevin Good’s team went as far as the quarterfinals.

In the 12-14 age group, Gary Sememetz’s team lost to PAL, the eventual winner, by one point on a mixed extra point in the last couple of minutes. Gary’s team was led by Ricky Honya, Garett Semenetz, Adam Greenfield and Evan Lash. In a quarterfinals round Gary’s team won on the last play of the game. Had Gary’s team won in the semifinals we would have had a DAC vs DAC final, as George Cafasso’s team also advanced. Led by the strong play of Michael Atzlan and Teddy Rojas, Cafasso’s team advanced to the finals where the PAL team was just too strong.
In the Girls Division DAC succumbed in the finals to NJFFA in a well played exciting couple of games. DAC was led by the strong play at quarterback of Diane Krauss, and at receiver, by Natasha Simon, and on defense, by Randi Citron and Alissa Tourney.

Playoff Pictures- Click To Enlarge

DAC Goes to the Meadowlands
On Saturday night August 18, 35 kids from DAC went to the Meadowlands to play at halfime of the Jets exhibition game against the Atlanta Falcons. 3 exhibition games were played at half time in front of 35,000 at the Meadowlands. Pictures and more information to follow.

Flag Football at DAC
We are the largest flag football program in Queens and the largest independent program in NYC. This year will be our fourth year and we have grown from 90 kids our first year to 260 this year. Last year our age groups were 7-9, 10-11, and 12-14. Games are played on Saturdays and Sundays starting in early September and ending before Thanksgiving. Games will not conflict with our Basketball Program. 

Flag Football Tournament at SUNY Farmingdale- 2000

Click on picture for 
            regular size picture.           

 
DAC sent 8 teams to the Flag Football Tournament at SUNY Farmingdale on October 28. Under very windy conditions are teams were competitive all the way through. Bob DiGirolomo's and Jack Pinto's   team were just two games away from going to Orlando for the Regional Finals. From there it would     have been on to the National Finals at the Super Bowl. Thanks to the following coaches and teams who participated.

About NFL Flag Football
Since the program's inception, thousands of girls and boys ages 6 through 14 have enjoyed NFL Flag. It is a fun program that creates an environment the entire family can enjoy. NFL Flag promotes physical fitness and teaches youngsters valuable football lessons about teamwork and fair play. NFL Flag games were developed with the assistance of outstanding coaches, such as Pro Football Hall of Fame member Bill Walsh, and child development professionals. The goal is to create exciting ways for even more young fans to play, watch, and experience the great game of football.

Each participant will receive an NFL team-identified/Nike reversible football jersey, a team-identified certificate of excellence, and an NFL Flag lanyard.

In this five-on-five game the offensive team plays for a first down at midfield and a touchdown in the end zone. Running and passing plays are allowed, although there are "no-running zones" at midfield and near each goal line. The defensive team covers receivers, rushes the passer, and grabs flags to make "tackles. For more information about NFL Flag go to the NFL Flag Football Site.

NFL Flag Football Rules and Plays

DAC honored by the NFL at Giant Stadium for their enthusiastic Flag Football Program.